Work Session Agenda
Update on Law Enforcement
DCSS Police Chief Tracey Whaley presented an update on the police department. The board resolution to form the police department was approved on February 3, 2020, Chief Whaley was hired May 7 and the department received Georgia POST recognition on May 11. The department has purchased service weapons, police uniforms and equipment, 32 vehicles and 35 police radios. The radios are connected to the county radio system, ensuring seamless communication with other county law enforcement agencies.
The department became a full-service police department as of July 15, 2020, with a command staff and 26 School Resource Officers (SROs). All members of the command staff and SROs went through an extensive background check and have been assigned to schools.
The purpose of the police department is to create and maintain a safe and nurturing educational environment by supporting the functions of teaching and learning through:
- Positive interaction with students and staff
- Purposeful integration into each school's environment
- Promotion of community engagement
In addition to duties at schools as students return to buildings, SROs are staffing sporting events and school functions and establishing programs to engage and support students.
For the presentation, which includes an organizational chart and SRO school assignments, please click
here.
Reopening of School
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Kwame Carr gave an update on transportation for the first day of in-person learning for elementary students. Approximately 2,500 students rode the bus on September 8. The number will increase as middle and high school students return.
The transportation department received minimal complaints from parents. Students arrived to school on time, and students complied with the requirements for face coverings and social distancing.
Work Session Board Agenda
The following items were presented for approval at the BOE meeting on September 21:
Special Education
- Contract with PSA/Aveanna Healthcare for 1:1 nursing services
- Agreements with Comprehensive Therapy Consultants for occupational therapy
Operations
- Purchase of 16 hand sanitizing stations per school and bulk alcohol wipes for each classroom teacher in the district
- Surplus of items
Student Services
- External evaluation services for 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants
Police Department
- Radio system user license agreement with the Douglas County Board of Commissioners
Present in the meeting were Board Members Tracy Rookard, District III, Chair; Devetrion Caldwell, District I; D.T. Jackson, District II; and Rita Fasina-Thomas, District V. Also present were Superintendent Trent North; Assistant Superintendent of District Operations Kwame Carr; Chief Financial Officer Greg Denney; Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Melanie Manley; Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Renee Davis; Assistant Superintendent of General Administration Dr. Michelle Ruble; Executive Director of Communications Nell Boggs; and Secretary to the Superintendent Melanie Nicholson.
Upcoming Meetings of the Douglas County Board of Education
Monday, September 21, 7:00 p.m., BOE Meeting
Monday, October 5, 6:00 p.m., BOE Work Session
